MILLS, Wyo. -- The Bureau of Reclamation will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir after Labor Day (Sept. 2) as the 2013 irrigation season draws to a close, according to Coleman W. Smith Jr., Wyoming Area Manager.

"Guernsey Reservoir is expected to remain accessible for boating recreation through Labor Day. Thereafter, Guernsey Reservoir will be drawn down for the winter. To avoid potential problems associated with declining reservoir levels, Reclamation advises that watercraft be removed from the reservoir by the evening of Monday, Sept. 2," Smith said.

Guernsey Reservoir releases are expected to gradually decrease through Sept. 1, with the end of major irrigation demands. The morning of Sept. 2, releases from Guernsey Reservoir are expected to again increase to approximately 1,100 cfs and until mid-Sept. when they will be discontinued for the winter.

Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 1, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be gradually decreased from over 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to about 300 cfs as irrigators shut down. On Sept. 1, releases from Glendo Reservoir are expected to again be increased to about 1,100 cfs to move other contract water downstream to Neb. Releases of about 1,100 cfs are expected to continue through about mid-Sept. when they will be discontinued for the winter.

Glendo Reservoir levels are expected to continue gradually declining and reach a water surface elevation near 4581 feet (approximately 105,000 acre-feet) around September 10. Glendo Reservoir levels will then stabilize and slowly increase during the fall and winter.

Boaters, recreationists, and irrigators should take proper precautions regarding changing river flows between Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the lowering of Guernsey Reservoir.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.